Toy Library Launch

It was great to visit Staincliffe and Healey Surestart Children’s Centre to launch their toy library. I think this is a marvellous idea. It allows children to take home and enjoy playing with the kind of toys that for most children are not available. Play is important for children because it is through play that children learn and develop all kinds of skills. It very important for parents to participate in play as this facilitates progress in speech, language and communication skills which need to develop while children are very young. These social skills are essential to facilitate the child’s learning throughout life. It is also a very enjoyable experience for both children and parents. I am rediscovering this, as I now have three young grandchildren and it is a great pleasure playing with them. I think it is mutual. It’s a great pleasure to read to them too!